Tag: aquatic

A couple of years ago, a friend and I were tossing around ideas to more effectively capture the vibrant aquatic life and color residing in the creeks and streams of our area (the Blue Ridge mountain region of SW Virginia). After a little brainstorming, within minutes we had a prototype PFD (Personal Flotation Device) in-hand and quickly found ourselves headed out to a local mountain stream for a quick test.

Nothing kicks-off the spring season like an afternoon jaunt around the mile-and-a-half Roaring Run loop trail with the family. Located in the rugged climbs of Eagle Rock, Virginia, the entire area provides a wealth of natural beauty and opportunity for landscape and waterfall photography.

Starting up along the Woodland Trail, the roar of the falls ahead and below seem to invigorate each step along the gradually softening, pine-needle coated trail. It’s so fun to see the kids react to the varying terrain, and takes me back to my own younger days of hiking these trails with so many good friends.

A brisk walk up the Woodland Trail is always good for generating a nice heart-rate and quickly rewarded with a cool stroll down the boardwalk-ed falls of the Streamside Trail. The site is equipped with ample parking and restroom facilities, bear-proof recycling & trash containment, and a host of picnic areas and grills.

Whether you’re new to the Roanoke region or just passing through, Roaring Run is a great place for a picnic, a quick and easy (1.5mi.) hike, and to make photos of waterfall after waterfall to your heart’s content. Please click here for more information regarding the site’s historic background, as well as seasonal hours and directions.

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